‘Research Foundation To Drive Innovation In Science, Engineering’

It could be the most ambitious effort by India to leapfrog generations by investing in a range of high technology areas. These sectors span everything from Quantum Computing to Green Hydrogen, Dr Abhay Karandikar, Secretary Department of Science and Technology told StratNews Global on The Gist.

The effort that requires major focus is the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, which was formally inaugurated only last month. This foundation seeks to learn from the success of the US National Science Foundation which funds proposals for research and education made by scientists and engineers.

The Indian avatar seeks to work through the IITs and other regional and state-level institutions to identify and fund suitable projects that could, going forward, contribute to India’s scientific growth. In Quantum Computing for instance, India has built up some knowledge and capacity but to be on the same level as perhaps China or the US, a lot more scaling up has to happen. The foundation could be of great help here.

“The foundation will fund R&D programs. It will also foster industry academy collaborations, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship,” Karandikar said.

The foundation has an R&D fund and another called Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund. It will provide funding for R&D programs in different areas across the academic institutions and universities. It will not be limited to Tier 1 academic institutions but cover Tier II and III.

The foundation will be an umbrella organisation and will coordinate with other government agencies and leading ministries. There are hopes this institution will foster a culture of R&D and innovation, enabling India to emerge as disruptor and innovator.

Green Hydrogen is another area of great potential with major spinoffs for India’s energy security. Dr Karandikar said the government was setting up “Hydrogen Valley Cluster Hubs” to demonstrate the full hydrogen chain, from production to usage. India hopes to build on hydrogen as the fuel of the future, and free itself of dependence on fossil fuels like oil and coal. Success here could galvanise a broader nation-wide effort.